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Nostalgia is not a trait for which the nightlife industry is known. With its constant focus on the latest and greatest—the newest clubs, the biggest names in music and entertainment, the most over-the-top lighting and sound systems— looking back can seem like an unaffordable luxury. But as club life in Las Vegas continues to evolve, it’s important to remember the past. Vegas Seven recently caught up with some of the people responsible for the heydays to find out where they’ve been, what they’ve been up to and, for a moment, remember some of the places and parties that paved the way for today’s industry.
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Pearce Cleveland Then: Nightlife Marketing Director and Resident DJ, Light Group; 2008–2015 Now: Marketing Scientist/Managing Partner at Clique Hospitality in San Diego Before the DJ’s name on the flyer became the entire party, there was Winter Ball at Studio 54. There was Dorm Daze at Hard Rock Hotel. And at Light Group properties The Bank and Jet, there was Polea-Palooza and the Crunk Cup Ball (hosted, naturally, by Lil Jon). “The goofy scene parties we used to throw—that’s what I really miss,” says Pearce Cleveland, who served as everything from a promoter to the nightlife marketing director at Light Group from 2008 until the company’s merge with Hakkasan Group in late 2014. “That’s what we thrived on for a long time. And now, if you don’t have a Top 100 DJ name, you’re buried.” After leaving Hakkasan Group post-buyout, Cleveland found himself taking some time off in
San Diego. It was there that Light Group founder Andy Masi reached out about a new project: Pendry San Diego, a hotel from the Montage Resorts family with six restaurants and bars, opening in early 2017. While Cleveland misses the camaraderie of the Las Vegas scene, the Southern California town has its charms. “When I was 23, 24, 25, it was great to have that saturation of clubs where you bounce around and do that thing,” he says, “and now that I’m here, it’s nice to be able to do the Las Vegas thing, but then go to a jazz night in Balboa Park [a San Diego suburb] the next night. There are a lot more options.” But the biggest difference? “It’s a beach-city attitude,” he says. “Rush hour’s at 3:30 p.m.”
Jimmy Greenup Then: Mood Director at Tao; 2005-2009 | Now: Mood Director at LIV Miami Only in the nightlife world is dressing up as a rabbit near Easter a résumé-building move. But such is the life of Jimmy Greenup, the former Mood Director at Tao, who has taken the gig—title and all—to Miami and the world-renowned LIV. “I would hang out with you, I’d get drunk with you, I’d be jumping around on tables, wearing costumes,” he says. “I was kind of the mascot; like, the in-house drunk clown.” Greenup has added responsibilities to the job title over time; along with getting the party started, he’s taken on more planning duties, selecting everything from the theme to the dancers’ outfits. It’s the type of role that uses a lot of the knowledge that Greenup says he picked up in Las Vegas, during a
time he calls “nightlife college.” “That time period, the people who worked in the nightlife industry—we’re all still very close,” he says. “It’s like family. It’s like we grew up together. We knew that moment in time was very special. That’s when we learned everything about nightlife.” When that family reunites, they reminisce about both the place and the time. “There are a bunch of people from Vegas down here [in Miami], and that’s all we talk about: the glory days from 2003 to 2009,” he says. “It was before the social media explosion, before selfies and Snapchat and people on their phones the entire night rather than dancing and having fun.”
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Bob Shindelar Then: Director of VIP Services, Tao Group; 2005-2012 Now: To be determined … There are some who can say they’ve seen it all in Las Vegas clubland. But to find someone who has actually seen it all, look for Bob Shindelar, who left the nightlife world to go see the real one. “I went to 51 countries,” he says of a multi-year adventure that began after helping Tao Group launch Marquee Sydney in Australia, “depending on how you count them. I count Antarctica, which is a continent, not a country.”
Jessie Goldman
PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE
Then: VIP Host at Ice, Bar Manager at Lure and Bottle Server at Tao; 2003-2013 Now: Agent at Simply Vegas Real Estate
Shindelar combined a passion for travel with an interest in photography and writing, maintaining his Vagabond Bob blog as he explored all seven continents. That’s a far cry from the intimate world of 2000s Las Vegas nightlife, where camaraderie was forged by a tight-knit circle. “When I was starting out, there was one option on Sunday night,” he says. “You went to House of Blues. You went to RumJungle on Monday. You went to Studio 54 on Tuesday, Ra on Wednesday and Baby’s on Thursday. Now, that community is spread out.” At present, back and settled in Las Vegas, Shindelar is looking at the next challenge, which may include opening his own bar and restaurant (though not a nightclub). Thousands of miles on the road have provided plenty of inspiration. “I have a whole separate hard drive of photos I’ve taken of different food and beverage ideas that I saw along the way,” he says.
Real estate and nightclub life already share one commonality: Whether it’s a dance floor-adjacent table or a dream home, the key attributes are “location, location, location.” But for the former bottle server and current real estate agent Jessie Goldman, there’s another similarity between both professions: top-level customer service. “I’ve been able to incorporate that quality for my clients,” she says. “Whether they’re looking to buy their first home or their dream home, that level of service goes across the board.” Goldman got the chance to hone that idea of service at several clubs during the first Las Vegas nightlife boom, starting at the now-shuttered Ice before moving over to Lure and Tryst in Wynn. Her longest gig was
as a bottle server at Tao, where she spent three nights a week combining social life with work. “I’m not the type to go to nightclubs,” she says, “so I felt like working in one was like going out.” The flexibility of the work schedule was a big asset as well. The siren song of the real estate world—one that sang to her when she purchased her first home at the age of 21—eventually led her from delivering bottles to delivering dream homes, working as a real estate agent. “I really wanted to enjoy the three-day schedule at Tao, and travel, and live the life without any responsibilities even though I owned a good amount of properties here at the same time,” she says. “I knew that I would never have that schedule again.”
Find out What Ever Happened To three more Las Vegas nightlife personalities at vegasseven.com/thenandnow
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Ron Ischer keeps te lıghts on. Aside from that, there’s not much more he needs you to know. The 21-year veteran of Fremont Street Experience is comfortable behind the scenes, aware that if he does his job right, no one should even know he was there. His title, Entertainment Operations Maintenance Manager, preserves the mystery. Unless you caught his appearances on a couple of “odd jobs” reality shows, you wouldn’t know Ischer is the foremost expert on Fremont Street’s 1,500-foot canopy. Unless you’ve been Downtown in the dead of night, you’ve never seen him 90 feet in the air on a crane inspecting the 173,000 light panels that line the canopy’s ceiling. There are 72 LEDs on every panel, each about the size of a Q-tip swab. That’s nearly 12.5 million tiny lights, and with his trained eyes, Ischer can tell from the ground if one goes out. Even when his eyes are tired, like they are right now. “I’m always tired,” he says, coming off another long night-turned-day. It’s just before noon at the Fremont Street Experience offices at Fourth and Fremont streets. Ischer’s day is winding down; he’s been on since 2:30 a.m. “If I have to go somewhere and sit for a little while, I could fall asleep,” he says. “But I’m so used to this now. I’ve raised two kids through this graveyard shift.” The shifts are about to get longer. Ischer’s team is readying for Fremont Street’s annual New Year’s Eve bash, America’s Party
Downtown. He doesn’t expect to get much sleep between December 30 and January 1. “I’m probably gonna wind up working a good 12 hours, getting a little bit of rest, and then coming back to the party and working another 12-hour shift,” he says. “I’ve had my share of 20-hour shifts for New Year’s [Eve], and it could be that [long] this year,” he adds. Ischer remembers the last time he spent the holiday on Fremont Street as a guest. It was 1995, the year he started working at the Experience. The crowds were smaller then, he recalls. Now, he says, “The street is alive. I gotta make sure people have a good show.” There’s a lot riding on this year’s party. Fremont Street Experience is replacing the midnight fireworks with street-level laser shows to give the event an Electric Daisy Carnival feel. Above the action, the canopy will debut the newest Viva Vision show featuring Green Day, “Revolution Vegas,” while 15 cover bands on three stages will entertain the expected crowds of 25,000–30,000 revelers. When he’s not inspecting circuit boards and LEDs, Ischer is busy with the stage setup. But don’t expect to see him among the masses. “I’m not a crowd person. I’ve been to one concert in my life, [which was] Jackson Browne,” he says. “I’m probably better off being behind the scenes.”
The Details: New Year’s Eve 2016
America’s Party Downtown
Hosted by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, ring in 2017 with 25,000 of your newest friends under Viva Vision, the largest digital display on the planet. The highlight of the night will be centered around a next generation, laser light spectacular from the producers of the Electric Daisy Carnival and Life Is Beautiful festivals. The show will provide an immersive, floor-to-ceiling sensory experience throughout the night. Also, Fremont Street Experience will premiere a new Viva Vision show, featuring Green Day, “Revolution Vegas.” ¶ Entertainment includes 15 bands playing hit songs from the past three decades. ¶ For an extra thrill, fly into the New Year superhero style on SlotZilla’s Zoomline. New Year’s Eve 2017, America’s Party Downtown, tickets are $40 and are available at vegasexperience.com or at the SlotZilla box office.
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NYE 2016
Strip-Side Celebration
W
hile it may be intimidating to brave the crowds for one of the most notoriously erratic nights on the already chaotic Strip, an unforgettable experience is always in store for New Year’s Eve partygoers on Las Vegas Boulevard. Instead of hitting the clubs, consider these unconventional venues that are hosting their own unique New Year’s countdowns.
NYE PARTYING BEYOND NIGHTCLUBS AND MUSIC VENUES
The view from The High Roller.
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By Ashley Miles Photography Erik Kabik
Las Vegas Monorail For the first time, the Las Vegas Monorail will host a New Year’s Eve extravaganza at its Third Rail Lounge, a luxury event venue at the Convention Center station. Guests will be treated to music provided by Taj and DJ Livinh, plus a Champagne toast at midnight. Plus, the lounge’s floor-toceiling windows provide the ideal vantage point for the Strip’s numerous fireworks displays. Perhaps best of all, though, attendees will be given unlimited rides on the monorail for 24 hours, with all party guests receiving complimentary reusable cups to enjoy specialty cocktails at “refill stations” on select stops throughout the route. 3150 Paradise Rd., $175 per person, $300 per couple, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., lvmonorail.com The Ice Rink While ice skating is typically
more popular in the early half of December, don’t count The Cosmopolitan’s rink out as a club alternative for your NYE celebration. Ticket holders have access to an open bar and skate rentals for the night, and the Boulevard
Pool’s rooftop venue serves as a perfect lookout for the dazzling Strip fireworks. $99, 8 p.m.–1 a.m., cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
High Roller For an unmatched view of the
fireworks displays throughout the Valley, as well as a bird’s-eye view of the chaos ensuing on the Strip, ring in the New Year on The Linq’s observation wheel. Purchase an individual ticket or splurge on one of six exclusive packages. True “high rollers” might consider buying out an entire “bubble” for the all-inclusive Diamond Cabin package—with premium upper-tier midnight fireworks viewing, an open bar within the cabin and VIP treatment, including an exclusive preparty and priority boarding for a top-notch experience. $275–$10,000, caesars.com/linq
Rainforest Cafe For a family-friendly NYE option, the Rainforest Cafe at Harmon Corner will host a G-rated New Year’s Eve party, with plenty of space for fireworks views on its outdoor patio. Sit back and relax while the kids enjoy a variety of entertainment, including dancing to a live DJ, tricks from an in-house magician, souvenirs from a balloon artist and body art from a face-painting station. The restaurant will offer a buffet throughout the affair, with entrees such as carved roast beef and coconut shrimp with mango sauce. 3717 Las Vegas Blvd. South, $25–$99, 9 p.m.- 1 a.m., rainforestcafe.com
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By Jason R. Latham
STAY CLOSE TO HOME WITH THESE LOCAL NEW YEAR’S EVE HAPPENINGS
So you want to give 2016 the middle finger it deserves, but don’t want to do it on the Strip? Understandable. You shouldn’t start a beautiful brand-new year elbow to elbow with anonymous drunkards, shoving your way to your car as you try to beat the after-midnight traffic. If you’re going to ring in 2017 with reveling lushes, you stay in your own neighborhood! Besides, your dollar goes further when you go local on New Year’s Eve—Uber surge pricing shouldn’t sting as much since you’re closer to home, and ticket prices tend to be a fraction of what you’ll pay on the Strip. Because costumes and masks are so much more fun than formal wear, local dining favorite Honey Salt is hosting a Mardi Gras– themed New Year’s bash with a Cajun and Creole menu (8:30 p.m., $75, honeysalt.com) that includes crawfish gumbo and jambalaya, with beignets for dessert. Vince Neil says he isn’t performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration, but you can catch him at Eastside Cannery on NYE. The Mötley Crüe frontman, who also calls Las Vegas home, is ringing in the New Year with a solo show (9:30 p.m., $40+, eastsidecannery.com)—but there’s little doubt you’re in for a full-blown Crüe concert. Just Google set lists from Neil’s recent performances and you’ll find all the band’s hits: “Dr. Feelgood,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls”— everything except “Rock ’n’ Roll Junkie,” and that’s a shame. Speaking of solo acts, Dennis DeYoung is performing “The Music of Styx” at the South Point (8 p.m., $175, southpointcasino.com) on New Year’s Eve. The package also includes an open bar, a fourcourse dinner and a Champagne toast. If rock and/or roll isn’t your thing, the resort is hosting a full
day of New Year’s events, with doo-wop music from The Alley Cats in the afternoon and ’80s Night With the Spazmatics. Also south of the Strip, the Silverton is advertising a Skip
the Strip New Year’s Eve bash
that’s just $25 (in advance; $40 day of, silvertoncasino.com) for “bottomless drinks” and a dance party in the Veil Pavilion. Your ticket will also get you a $5 buffet discount and bottomless assorted beverages at casino bars. And speaking of the suburbs, you have your pick of parties if you live close to any Station Casinos property, but here’s one that sounds uniquely Vegas: dinner and a show with the Vegas Goodfellas big band at Santa Fe Station’s Chrome showroom. Your ticket (5 p.m. and 8 p.m., $99, stationcasinos.com) includes a four-course dinner, a Champagne toast and party favors. If four courses aren’t enough, Panevino Italian Grille is offering a five-course menu (and vegan menu) (9:30 p.m., $185, panevinolasvegas.com) as part of its New Year’s Eve package. This is also where you’ll get one of the closest unobstructed views of the Boulevard’s fireworks without being on the Strip or climbing up on your roof. You can also get out of town, without really getting out of town, and welcome 2017 at MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas. Restaurants around the lake are advertising a special menu, but the highlight of the evening is a 90-minute adults-only cruise ($30, lakelasvegas.com) that leaves the marina at 11 p.m. You’ll be treated to hors d’oeuvres and a free glass of Champagne while watching the midnight fireworks over the water.
VINCE NEIL BY TDC PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK; PANEVINO BY ZACH MCKEE; HONEY SALT BY BILL MILNE
Top: Vince Neil; Bottom: Honey Salt
Skip the Strip
NYE 2016
Downtown Countdown
Live music and DJs
Parties and toasts
Not 21? No problem. Adults 18 and up can turn up with Chicago drill-rapper Famous Dex in the Western Hotel at local events company Jamnation’s year-end bash. The night also features local acts Bonks, Ronnie Mac, Richy Rozay and Jerry Shinefield, and an EDM stage. Doors at 7 p.m., $35
Head to Atomic Liquors before the countdown for a free Champagne toast at midnight. For an extra-classy start to 2017, cheers with Miller High Life, a.k.a. the Champagne of beers, which is also included in the complimentary toast. Doors at noon, no cover
Start next year off by going back to the past at Artifice for their ’80s Retro Revival party with DJ Hektor Rawkerz. Doors at 9.p.m., no cover
Velveteen Rabbit rings in the New Year with a Champagne toast at midnight and music by DJ Sparkles and Cherry Bomb, with special guests Night Club, an electronic-pop duo out of L.A. Commemorate the night with the free photo booth. Doors at 8 p.m., no cover
MAKE A TOAST AT THESE DTLV DESTINATIONS By Jessie O’Brien and Zoneil Maharaj Photography Krystal Ramirez
Oddfellows
NYE 2016
Bottles and open bars
Inspire and Gold Spike are both hosting an
Escape Masquerade–themed night, and one ticket gets you into both venues. DJs Wizdumb and Dilemma will spin in Gold Spike’s Living Room with live band Avalon Landing playing in its Backyard. There will be a video-feed countdown of Times Square and a complimentary Champagne toast. Splurge on the $70 VIP ticket for an open bar from 8 to 11 p.m. Doors at 8 p.m., $15–$70
Ditch the formal attire for trench coats and sunglasses at Millennium Fandom Bar’s NYE 2016: Enter the Matrix cosplay party, swallow the red pill and see how deep the rabbit hole goes. 9 p.m., entrance fee to be announced
At the Golden Nugget, Gold Diggers is offering three different New Year’s Eve packages starting at $100 for an open bar from 7 p.m. to midnight. Those with extra spending cash can get a VIP table with up to four friends, a bottle of Grey Goose and a bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut for $500. Get two bottles of each and bring up to eight friends for $800. The nightclub also offers a free Champagne toast at midnight. Doors at 7 p.m.
Make your last meal of 2016 a pretzel dog before starting your New Year’s resolution on the Stairmaster. ReBar’s serving up sausage and vegan dogs, $3 beers, $4 wines and wells and a free Champagne toast. The party doesn’t stop until 4 a.m. Doors at 4 p.m., no cover
New Year’s Eve? More like Booze Year’s Eve. From December 29 through January 2, lushes can purchase $35 all-you-can-drink, one-day wristbands at Downtown Grand including unlimited draft beer, house wines and well cocktails at the Furnace Bar, Art Bar and Freedom Beat.
Raise two middle fingers at Oddfellows for their Fuck 2016 party. Pop $30 bottles of Champagne to a mixed format of all their weekly themed events—from ‘80s to New Noise indie night. Doors at 8 p.m., $20
The Fremont Street video nightclub Red has a $75 open bar until midnight on NYE. Imbibe as much as you want to the sounds of ’90s and ’00s old-school hip-hop, pop and house music. Doors at 10 p.m., $10 cover 7
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NYE 2016
Culinary Countdowns
SEVEN DECADENT MEALS TO RING IN 2017
Is there any more perfect way
TO TOAST WITH AT MIDNIGHT It’s about the moment as much as what’s in your glass, and sometimes you just want something delicious without a lot of fanfare. That’s where Crémant comes in, a sparkling wine made in France outside of the Champagne region. This 100 percent Pinot Blanc version from Alsace is perfect fuss-free fizz. Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut NV, $22
Restaurant Guy Savoy in Caesars Palace
Oscar’s in the plaza hotel & casino
Oscar’s in the Plaza will serve its full menu on New Year’s Eve, with the final dinner reservation times at 10:30 p.m. Chef Jeff Martell’s recommendations include Johnny Quinn’s fresh lump crab cake with stone-ground mustard and pepper remoulade ($17), a surf-and-turf special of Joey C’s 8-ounce filet mignon with lobster tail (market price) and a decadent chocolate marquise for dessert ($12). At midnight, guests will enjoy a complimentary Champagne toast to count down and celebrate the New Year with views of a spectacular live fireworks show from the glass dome in Oscar’s dining room. oscarslv.com
Beauty & Essex in The Cosmopolitan
The late seating for chef Chris Santos’ six-course celebration dinner begins at 9:30 p.m. This special menu features signature favorites including avocado, lemon and Espelette peppers on toast; grilled cheese and tomato soup dumplings; and 14-ounce prime dry-aged sirloin with the option to upgrade various courses for an additional cost. A DJ will spin tunes, and guests will toast to
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From sabering to spraying on your friends, a bottle for every occasion By Kirk Peterson TO SABER For what may be your first time attempting everyone’s favorite sparkling wine–opening trick, you might as well try something different to drink, too. Italy’s Alta Langa is an up-and-coming region that is producing fantastic and relatively undiscovered sparkling wine. Ettore Germano Alta Langa Doc Brut 2012, $30
to usher in the New Year than with a final gastronomic celebration that culminates in a Champagne toast and views of spectacular fireworks? We don’t think so. New Year’s Eve blowout menus at swanky places—many with sweeping city views—are a surefire way to make the 2017 countdown count.
Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with prime views of the Strip, the award-winning restaurant, whose identical Paris flagship was just voted the No. 1 restaurant in the world by La Liste, will offer a round of seatings that begin between 9–10 p.m., at which time you can indulge in a 10-course prix fixe dinner. The New Year’s Eve Prestige Menu begins with an amuse-bouche of lobster “candy” followed by decadent dishes including scallop tartare, wild Atlantic turbot, seared foie gras, artichoke and black truffle soup, and grilled Japanese wagyu. The vegetarian menu offers deliciously creative dishes, among them “Chestnut All Around,” stuffed baby squash, Alba white truffle risotto and the perfect egg with Parmesan and white truffle. A lavish meal such as this comes with only the most sumptuous of desserts, including exotic rum baba and chocolate with Alba white truffle. $600 per person, caesars.com
seven sparkling wines
By Marisa Finetti
Photography Anthony Mair
2017 at midnight and receive complimentary admission to the neighboring Marquee Nightclub after 1 a.m. Menu starts at $175, beautyandessexlv.com
Sushi Roku in The Forum Shops at Caesars
Leave it to Sushi Roku’s superbly trained sushi chefs to ring in 2017 with an indulgent omakase dinner. The first course includes a santen mori (appetizer trio) of toro tuna cube with black truffle, sea urchin with osetra caviar and American wagyu tataki with kizami wasami and ponzu foam. This is followed by four more courses featuring ocean trout kobujime with capers and burrata cheese; a sashimi selection of bluefin tuna, madai, kanpachi and hotate; wagyu Rossini with black pepper sauce; and premium sushi including toro, shima aji, hirame, sweet shrimp, and a seared wagyu and black truffle hand roll. All this is finished by a sweet and tart yuzu crème brûlée. Those scoring the 9:30 p.m. seating will enjoy a party favor and a complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. $170, innovativedining.com
Twist by Pierre Gagnaire in Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas
Enjoy an exquisite, six-course dinner presentation at Twist, where the second seating culminates in admission to the New Year’s Eve countdown and party at midnight in Mandarin Bar. Within the stunningly appointed dining room with views from the 23rd floor, enjoy chilled foie gras terrine followed by haddock soufflé and osetra caviar. The third course is Maine lobster fricasee with Cognac. A pumpkin velouté with
Alba white truffles and Guinea fowl stuffed with black truffles leads right up to a signature Pierre Gagnaire dessert. Last seating 9:30 p.m., $525 per person, $200 additional per person for wine pairing, mandarinoriental.com
Rivea in the Delano
The final seating in Rivea is a fivecourse prix fixe meal enjoyed from the top floor of the Delano. Rivea’s sweeping views make it a prime spot to greet 2017 with a bang. The gala dinner features Alain Ducasse’s French- and Italian Riviera–influenced cuisine, including marinated striped bass and osetra caviar followed by Maine lobster risotto with shaved black truffle; seared scallops with pumpkin, chestnut and black truffle; Angus beef filet mignon Rossini; and a Rivea chocolate and hazelnut composition. Last seating 10:30 p.m., $295 inside, $495 patio, delanolasvegas.com
Libertine Social in Mandalay Bay
Liberate yourself with a decadent fourcourse celebration before 2016 ends. Begin with warm house-made burrata served with marinated beets and aged balsamic, then move on to grilled King crab legs with uni butter and Espelette hot sauce. For your entrée, choose from either wood-grilled halibut with foraged mushrooms and charred leek puree or Iberico pork tenderloin with smoked apple and parsnip puree and pepper romesco sauce. For a sweet finish, conclude with a chocolate hazelnut bar with burnt marshmallow before the countdown and toast at midnight. Last seating 11 p.m., $85, mandalaybay.com
TO GIVE AS A GIFT Whether you want to thank the host of the party or you’re playing catch-up from the holidays, it’s important to make a good impression. And it’s difficult to beat the sheer label appeal and reputation of the most famous Champagne in the world. Moët & Chandon Dom Perignon Brut 2004, $140 TO SPR AY ON YOUR FRIENDS To turn any place into a rap video or championship game celebration, just pop the cork and shake the bottle. Use caution: That bottle is under as much pressure as a truck tire, so be careful not to put someone’s eye out. “Brut Nature” is winespeak for a lack of sugar, which cuts down on the stickiness factor. Juvé y Camps Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature Cava 2012, $12 TO SHARE WITH THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE Bubbles are certainly celebratory, but it’s just more romantic when it’s rosé. For a more artisanal take on Champagne, keep an eye out for wines labeled RM (Récoltant-Manipulant) or “Special Club.” It’s definitely worth the search. Vilmart & Cie Cuvee Rubis Rosé NV, $85 TO POUR AT YOUR PARTY For a great balance of price and performance, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better alternative than this wine from New Mexico, arguably one of the best domestically produced and readily available sparkling wines for its price. Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV, $16 TO SAVE UNTIL NEXT YEAR Starting your wine cellar is a good a New Year’s resolution. When cellaring wine, bigger is better: look for magnum, or double-sized 1.5 liter formats. It ages more slowly and more predictably, and when you finally get to drink it, everyone appreciates twice as much wine. Ca’ del Bosco Cuvee Annamaria Clementi Franciacorta 2001 1.5L, $300
The Strip’s Final Concerts of 2016
NYE 2016
Wu-Tang Clan
By Mark Adams
An Electr(on)ic Eve
Hit the dance floor while these DJs hit the decks
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Brooklyn Bowl (The Linq, 8 p.m., $48–$195) “If Anybody Gets Funked Up” this NYE …, it’s going to be concertgoers at Brooklyn Bowl. The Godfather of Funk and his Gangsters of Love are bringing their danceable, soulful noise center Strip to close out a year that should most certainly end in one big-ass getdown. Jazzy hip-hop Vegas-based outfit The Lique opens for the funk innovators—show some local love and cut a rug!
Sting
The Chelsea (The Cosmopolitan, 9 p.m., $200–$486) The legendary rock star dropped his latest album last month, so revelers bound for The Cosmopolitan’s concert hall are likely in for a set list chock-full of new material. Fans of The Police should be pleased to know that the band’s biggest hits (“Message in a Bottle,” “Every Breath You Take”) have made the cut for Sting’s recent international shows.
Cheap Trick
The Foundry (SLS Las Vegas, 8 p.m., $60–$125) “Surrender” your last night of the year to the poppy rockers, who joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and released their 17th album in 2016. Recent set lists indicate the band’s show at SLS Las Vegas should be quite cover-heavy, but you know “I Want You to Want Me” will be worked into the mix.
Bruno Mars
Park Theater (Monte Carlo, 9 p.m., $160–$505) It seems Bruno Mars just can’t get enough of Las Vegas on NYE—this is the third straight year the funky R&B crooner is closing out the year on the Strip. He brings his 24K Magic to Park Theater for a two-night engagement starting on December 30, kicking off his multiyear extended engagement at the Boulevard’s newest entertainment destination.
Kendrick Lamar
Drai’s Nightclub (The Cromwell, 10:30 p.m., $175–$250) After teaming up with Maroon 5
December 29, 2016 -Janua r y 1 1, 2017 vegasseven.com
on the band’s recent release, Lamar returns to Las Vegas for a rooftop bash at Victor Drai’s party palace. After the commercial and critical success of 2015’s To Pimp a Butterfly, the spitter doesn’t need anything but a mic (and maybe a backing track) to earn your ears, but the nightclub’s open Champagne bar from 9 to 11 p.m. kinda seals the deal.
Wu-Tang Clan
The Axis (Planet Hollywood, 9 p.m., $69–$149) It’s Wu Year’s Eve at The Axis! Method Man, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah aren’t exactly strangers to the Strip, but it’s a special occasion when they get the band back together. Ring in 2017 with the groundbreaking hip-hop crew at what’s sure to be an electrifying performance.
Drake
Hakkasan Nightclub (MGM Grand, 8 p.m., $200–$250) Booty calls are for after the clock strikes midnight—the only “Hotline Bling” that should be on your NYE itinerary is experiencing a live performance of Drake’s 2015 smash hit, which spawned an Erykah Badu cover, countless memes and a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
The Weeknd
Marquee Nightclub (The Cosmopolitan, 9 p.m., $128–$202) With a show at The Cosmopolitan’s Chelsea on December 30 and serving as a special guest at the hotel’s nightclub on NYE, the R&B superstar clocks in two headlining appearances on the Strip this weekend—and after the widespread popularity of his Beauty Behind the Madness album, he’s definitely “Earned It.” Now, if only Daft Punk would show up to help him out on their recent “Starboy” collabo track. Did we mention the passed apps (9 p.m.–midnight) and open bar (9–11 p.m.)? 7 For more visit, vegasseven.com/ NYE2017concerts
DJ CHUCKIE
Omnia Nightclub (Caesars Palace, 8 p.m., $150–$225) What to Expect: Chart-topping poppy EDM hit after chart-topping poppy EDM hit—and you’ll love every minute of it. What to Hope For: After his breakup with the planet’s biggest pop star, a T-Swift DJ booth bombing. That awk-fest would produce some Facebook photo gold—not to mention TMZ’s lead story on New Year’s Day. Spin This: “My Way”— here’s hoping Harris drops the 2016 track at Omnia with live vocals.
Intrigue Nightclub (Wynn, 9 p.m., $39–$64) What to Expect: Traphall. That’s right, the Dirty Dutch producer coined a genre, blending trap with dancehall—and it’s pretty fucking cool. What to Hope For: Um, lots of traphall. We told you it was fucking cool. Spin This: “Wicked”—get a taste of Chuckie’s sonic innovation.
DJ KHALED
Tao Nightclub (The Venetian, 9 p.m., $50–$129) What to Expect: A marathon of hip-hop hits featuring the producer’s laundry list of top-notch collaborators, possibly including a couple with live vocals from French Montana, who also headlines Tao’s NYE bash. What to Hope For: Nicki Minaj and Chris Brown crashing the party to perform “Do You Mind.” Spin This: “All I Do Is Win”—that banger is badass, and you know everybody’s hands are going up at The Venetian Saturday night. Why? Because all Khaled does is win, win, win ... MAJOR LAZER
XS Nightclub (Encore, 9 p.m., $52–$236) What to Expect: The broad spectrum of electronic dance music (trap, electro-house, moombahton) the trio is now known for. What to Hope For: Something that will top the 2016 Life Is Beautiful headliner’s electrifying festival-closing set. Maybe some pyro? Spin This: “Cold Water”— er, no. Get pumped with “Light It Up.”
DJ SNAKE
Surrender Nightclub (Encore, 9 p.m., $65–$95) What to Expect: Trap-, bounce- and crunk-infused EDM. What to Hope For: A new, soon-to-be-heard-everywhere hit. DJ Snake’s about due for another one … Spin This: “Turn Down for What”—like we’d recommend anything else to get you ready for some marathon partying. STEVE AOKI
Jewel Nightclub (Aria, 9 p.m., $75–$125) What to Expect: High-energy EDM, Champagne showers, cakes to the face and probably some crowd-surfing from the headlining artist—likely with pool floats involved. What to Hope For: See above. Spin This: “Delirious”—the bumpin’ banger will amp you up better than five vodka Red Bulls. LIL JON
1 OAK (The Mirage, 9 p.m., $50–$75) What to Expect: Crunk. Lots and LOTS of crunk. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. What to Hope For: As many “WHAT?!”s and “OKAY!”s as possible during a NYE club set. Spin This: “Turn Down for What”—because it’s fucking New Year’s Eve. –M.A.
PHOTO BY JONATHAN WEINER
WHETHER YOU’RE A HIP-HOP HEAD, FUNK FANATIC OR POP ENTHUSIAST, THE BOULEVARD HAS YOU COVERED
CALVIN HARRIS
Afrojack
SEVEN MORE NIGHTS
WHAT TO DO AFTER DARK IN LAS VEGAS— BEYOND NYE! By Ian Caramanzana
December 29, 2016 -Janua r y 1 1, 2017 vegasseven.com
THURSDAY 5
Prepare yourselves for the ultimate #TBT: C&C Music Factory is bringing its unmistakable grooves and swagger to LAX. You may not recognize that name, but you sure as hell know the duo’s tunes: The outfit is responsible for creating five totally awesome eurobeats hits from the ’90s, such as “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” and “Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll).” Unfortunately, David Cole—the duo’s principal producer and songwriter—passed away in 1995 after a long battle with spinal meningitis. C&C’s other member, Robert Clivilles, teamed up with French producer Eric Kupper, who brings the same energetic delivery as his counterpart to the table. Get down to the get down and bask in glorious nostalgia. (10:30 p.m., in Luxor, luxor.com)
FRIDAY 6
It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Afrojack. The superstar Dutch DJ/producer has been on the road, taking his trademark blend of electro and progressive house to thousands in the U.S. While we support the guy in his decision to showcase his tunes to massive crowds, we’re getting antsy on hearing some new sounds. Thankfully, with the New Year comes new beginnings, and we’re bound to get a peek soon. Afrojack recently posted a photo of himself grinding in the studio with superproducer David Guetta. Details on the collaboration are few, but whether it’s a song, EP or fulllength, it’s bound to be a hit as massive as their previous cut, “Hey Mama (featuring Nicki Minaj and Bebe Rexha)”—and we’re excited. See if he drops a preview at Omnia. (10:30 p.m., in Caesars Palace, omnianightclub.com)
SATURDAY 7
Time to dig up the three-piece suits, Fred Perry polos and Doc Martens from the glory days: There’s a ska extravaganza taking place in DTLV. It’s happening at Backstage Bar & Billiards with Voodoo Glow Skulls, Buck-O-Nine and The Porkers. Let’s catch our readers up on each band: Riverside ska/punkers Voodoo Glow Skulls have been quiet since the release of 2012’s Break the Spell, but have been incessantly touring—hitting countries as far as Costa Rica on their trek; San Diego’s Buck-O-Nine have been doing the same, but on a smaller scale; and The Porkers are bringing the “Swing Like Tiger Woods” from New South Wales, Australia, to our city. Think of this concert as a three-hour dance party where the horns are blaring, the checkered shirts are properly ironed and the upbeats and skankin’ are aplenty. (8 p.m., $16-$20, 601 Fremont St., backstagebarlv.com)
SUNDAY 8
The saying is “New Year, new you,” so do yourself a favor by scoping out some fresh talent. Rising Los Angeles bass-bringer Party Favor, a.k.a. Dylan Ragland, spins at Hakkasan. He’s known as a pioneer of the festival trap genre; Favor’s bangin’ remixes of huge EDM hits such as Swedish House Mafia’s “One
December 29, 2016 -Janua r y 1 1, 2017 vegasseven.com
(Your Name)” and Showtek’s “Booyah” allowed him to release music on the Spinnin’ and Mad Decent labels, and his career only went up from there. Now, Favor’s cranking out his own tunes, such as “Bap U,” which has racked up close to 7 million plays on SoundCloud at the time of press. Catch a rising star in the big room tonight, and be the first to toast to his success when he drops his latest collab with Dillon Francis, “Shut It Down.” (10:30 p.m., in MGM Grand, hakkasanlv.com)
MONDAY 9
Over the past four nights, you’ve seen a legendary ’90s act, a superstar DJ, killer ska bands and a rising star. Tonight, hang out with some local stalwarts in a trusted weekly engagement. Rex Dart and his killer crop of cronies spin at Double Down Saloon as The Bargain DJ Collective. You can expect the same variety of tunes from the “punk, funk and junk” genres, but given the New Year, we think Dart and company will try something new. We’re willing to place bets on some of the songs he’ll play: Bad Brains followed by New Order? James Brown followed by FIDLAR? Show up to find out. And if you’re thirsty, the bar will be pouring shots of the fabled Ass Juice. Maybe that’s what he meant by “junk.” (10 p.m., 4640 Paradise Rd., doubledownsaloon.com)
TUESDAY 10
Let’s keep this short: Tuesdays mean Studio V at Vanguard Lounge. While everybody is getting over the Monday blues and preparing for hump day, DJs Sucio and Exile are working the night shift to provide a hip-hop-heavy soundtrack for the week. Expect to hear cuts from The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Jump around! (10 p.m., 516 Fremont St., vanguardlounge)
WEDNESDAY 11
You know that tradition of “jumping” into the New Year when the clock strikes midnight? The time may have passed, but you can honor that tradition in the grandest ways by leaping into the air when Styx performs “Renegade” at the Venetian Theatre. The iconic band is known for its chart-topping hits that ruled the airwaves from the late ’70s to the early ’80s. Styx’s formula of hard rock with pop sensibilities can be best heard in “Lady,” “Babe” and “The Best of Times.” As if that weren’t enough star power, the iconic band will be joined by Don Felder. The ex-Eagles member served as the band’s lead guitarist and songwriter from 1979 to 2001, so he’s had a hand in creating songs such as “One of These Nights” and “Heartache Tonight.” Catch both tonight. (8 p.m., $60-$395, In the Venetian, venetian.com/entertainment/ styx-and-felder.html)
Party Favor